As our thoughts affect their health and fitness

It is not only the amount of training, but also the perception of their own physical condition in comparison with others.

Surprising new research

BBC journalists told about a study that found a link between health and perceptions of their physical shape. If you treat yourself too harshly can worsen their condition.

Researchers from Stanford University analyzed data on mortality 61 000 people. For 21 years they have fixed different rates of participants. Particular attention was paid to the scientists is how many people are involved in sports and how to compare ourselves in this parameter with peers.

It turnedPerceived physical activity and mortality: Evidence from three nationally representative U.S. samples., People think that to have less died at a younger age. And those who believed that the trains often lived longer. Although the level of activity in both groups coincide. However, other factors, such as the health of the participants and smokingWe did not change the picture.

Of course, exercise prolongs life, but also our perception also affects its duration.

People who considered themselves to be less active, the mortality risk increased to 71% compared with those who believed that engaged more than others. These figures seem incredible, but they can be explained.

4 explain this phenomenon

1. Stress

When we are surrounded by people who do not part with sportswear, and on all sides there are calls for a healthy lifestyle, we are starting to get nervous. It seems that training in our lives is given enough time. Because of this, may develop chronic stress. And it seriously affects the health.

2. Motivation

If you consider yourself an active, it motivates you to engage in even more to fit your own presentation. This is confirmed by research dataSelf-comparisons as motivators for healthy behavior. But if you are sure you are in a worse shape than your friends, the more likely a year completely stop doing sports.

3. nocebo

This is the opposite effect of placebo. It has long been known that the belief in the power of drugs affect their performance. There is also the opposite phenomenon - nocebo. When negative expectations physiological effect means decreases. Perhaps a similar process occurs with the perception of their physical condition.

4. age perception

In one study,Intimations of mortality: perceived age of leaving middle age as a predictor of future health outcomes within the Whitehall II study. participants were asked when, in their opinion, ends maturity and old age begins. Those who felt the onset of old age, sixtieth birthday, in this age of increasingly evolved heart diseases. And those who believed that old age comes to 70 or later, it happened less often. Perhaps the first was the answer, because I already felt older because of poor health. Or the apparent approach of old age deprived of their desire to engage in sports, and this is worsened health. Or they are more worried because of his age, and stress negatively affected their condition.

So far, scientists do not have all the answers. But it is clear that the perception of health and fitness are very important. So try to not only play sports and have fun, but do not lose motivation, comparing himself with super-active friends.

see also

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